3 Gerber Memorial Hospital | Medical | Center for Mental Health

New Focus, The Center for Mental Health

New FocusPersons receiving care through one of New Focus' programs are treated with dignity and respect. The treatment team includes a Psychiatrist, Social Worker, Nurse, Recreation Therapist, and other mental health professionals. The client, their significant other(s) and the team work together to develop and implement a plan of care that addresses mutually identified treatment goals.

New Focus offers a unique place to learn to cope with problems and life situations; an opportunity to regain control of your life, where you learn what you are feeling and how to change.

It is a chance to live a healthy, productive and satisfying life.

About New Focus

New Focus, The Center for Mental Health at Gerber Memorial Health Services, provides psychiatric services for the greater West Michigan area. New Focus is comprised of three distinct programs: Inpatient Services, a Crisis Residential Home, and Outpatient Counseling. All three programs can be accessed 24 hours a day by calling (800) 626-6478.

New Focus, The Center for Mental Health, provides complete professional psychiatric care 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Patients may be referred by a family physician, health professional, case manager, pastor, or family member. A Mental Health Professional is available at all times for consultation and evaluation for admission.

Inpatient Services

The New Focus Inpatient Services are designed for those with severe mental illness. The treatment team, consisting of a Psychiatrist, Nurses, Social Worker, Recreation Therapist and Mental health facilitators, works together to provide individualized care for each person. The emphasis is on learning practical life skills that will facilitate a return to the community.

Crisis Residential Home

This elegant old home, located on the campus of Gerber Memorial Hospital, is especially suited for those who are experiencing mental illness but are not a danger to themselves or others. The Crisis Residential Home provides at least six (6) hours of intense, personal treatment each day in a comfortable, relaxed setting at a reduced cost. Clients typically stay two (2) to ten (10) days.

Counseling Services

Individual and family counseling is available from a psychiatrist and/or social worker. The emphasis is practical and short term, and includes education in effective coping techniques, stress reduction, problem solving, and medication adjustment.

Community Services

In conjunction with area civic organizations, New Focus seeks to educate the community about the symptoms and treatment of mental illness. In addition, seminars on stress management, depression, and anger are offered periodically and can be designed to meet the specific needs of a corporation or particular age group.

Cost and Insurance

New Focus services are covered in whole or in part by most health insurance plans, including Blue Cross, Medicare, and Medicaid. Since these plans vary in coverage, families are encouraged to discuss details with Gerber Memorial Hospital's business office.